High heel shoes with integrated cushioning

ABSTRACT

Various embodiments described herein relate to a shoe that utilizes cushioning. The cushioning can be a variety of materials, including polymers such as SEBS. The cushioning can be positioned in various locations of the shoe, including the counter, the insole, and the outsole. Additionally or alternatively, the cushioning can also be located in recesses to enhance the functionality of the cushioning.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 62/086,118 filed Dec. 1, 2014, which is incorporated herein in its entirety by this reference thereto.

FIELD

The disclosed embodiments concern high heel shoes with supportive cushioning integrated into the footwear.

BACKGROUND

High heel shoes, also called high-heeled footwear or high heels, are footwear that raises the heel of the wearer's foot significantly higher than the toes. High heels are ubiquitous in everyday life and used whether as part of business dress or as a fashion statement. However, because high heels increase the angle of the heel to the foot much higher than is natural, wearers of heels suffer from unnatural walking strides, stresses to the musculoskeletal system, pain, blisters, and other related conditions.

A cottage industry exists to ease the wearing of heels, such as the insertable orthotics. These orthotics can be slips that fit into the entire portion of the shoe, or can be inserted into certain areas to provide support in particular areas. The orthotics cushion the stress areas and reduce pain and the likelihood of blisters.

The orthotics are often formed of fabrics, foam, gel or another polymer. These orthotics provide insufficient weight support and slip around the shoe.

Fabric and foam cushioning are easy and cheap to manufacture and use, but provide suboptimal support for the user because they provide little shock support. These variety of orthotics also degrade easily, thereby requiring users to regularly purchase replacements. Additionally, such orthotics generally provide insufficient traction for the user and allow for slippage.

Gel orthotics do not provide sufficient shock absorption because of the nature of the material and the form and shape in which they are currently produced; gel orthotics are usually flat or otherwise formed such that the gel does not bounce back well. Both gel and foam orthotics also dampen the energy the user puts into his or her stride, thereby requiring more energy from the wearer to walk and causing the wearer's muscles to tire more readily. These orthotics also easily slip around inside the shoe and against the user's foot.

Polymer orthotics also suffer from problems similar to those described above.

Moreover, because orthotic inserts generally mold to the user's foot, they provide limited support that degrades over time because the material does not bounce back against pressure points. Additionally, because most orthotics are not attached to the shoe, or are attached to the shoe by means of a weak adhesive, orthotics readily slip around the shoe while the wearer is using them. Though a variety of orthotics uses a small loop attached to the user's toes to stay secure, these are problematic because they are uncomfortable to wear and are not securely attached. Orthotics that are attached to the shoe by means of an adhesive are susceptible to the problem that a strong or long-lasting adhesive damages the shoe.

Summary

The disclosed embodiments concern high heel shoes, especially platform shoes, with incorporated supportive cushioning.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

One or more embodiments of the present disclosure are illustrated by way of example and not by limitation in the figures of the accompanying drawings, in which like references indicate similar elements.

FIG. 1 includes an overhead view of various embodiments using individual cushioning pieces that can be incorporated into the high heel shoes. The cushioning is not limited to certain locations or limited to the sizes given as examples in this figure; unless physically impossible, various embodiments include cushioning of different sizes and shapes, and which can be positioned in various locations.

FIG. 2 includes a side view of various embodiments showing locations of where cushioning pieces can be incorporated into the high heel shoes.

FIG. 3 includes an overhead view of various embodiments showing locations of where cushioning pieces can be incorporated into the high heel shoes.

FIG. 4 includes a perspective view of various embodiments showing locations of where cushioning pieces can be incorporated into the high heel shoes.

FIG. 5 includes various embodiments applying the cushioning to the outsole.

FIG. 6 includes a side view of recesses in the high heel shoes, including the outsole and counter, into which cushioning pieces can be placed for different embodiments.

FIG. 7A includes an overhead view of a recess in the insole where cushioning pieces can be placed for different embodiments.

FIG. 7B includes a cross-sectional view of the insole and recess therein.

FIG. 8A includes an overhead view of some embodiments incorporating the cushioning as a single piece of cushioning, and shows how the singular piece cushioning may be incorporated into the high heel shoes.

FIG. 8B includes a cross-sectional view of a single piece of cushioning.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the placement of the technology illustrated in the various figures discussed below may be altered in a variety of ways.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various example embodiments will now be described. The following description provides certain specific details for a thorough understanding and enabling description of these examples. One skilled in the relevant technology will understand, however, that some of the disclosed embodiments may be practiced without many of these details.

Likewise, one skilled in the relevant technology will also understand that some of the embodiments may include many other obvious features not described in detail herein. Additionally, some well-known structures or functions may not be shown or described in detail below, to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the relevant descriptions of the various examples.

The terminology used below is to be interpreted in its broadest reasonable manner, even though it is being used in conjunction with a detailed description of certain specific examples of the embodiments. Indeed, certain terms may even be emphasized below; however, any terminology intended to be interpreted in any restricted manner will be overly and specifically defined as such in this Detailed Description section.

Cushioning Material

The cushioning can be composed of various polymers, including Styrene Ethylene Butylene Styrene (“SEBS”), which is a form of thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) with styrene added. SEBS is safe and non-toxic, and has been used as a PVC substitute. SEBS has been used for toys, sports mouth guards, teethers, and handlebar grips. SEBS has a chemical resistance similar to natural rubber. A benefit of SEBS is that it provides superior weight resistance and resiliency to being deformed, particularly over existing materials used for cushioning such as foam. Additionally, SEBS provides traction that can keep a user's foot in place, which prevents slipping, crushing of the user's foot, and blisters. The traction that SEBS provides is superior to those of current orthotics. One brand name of SEBS is Kraton. Another polymer includes rubber. Other polymers include Polyurethane (“PU”), Silicone, and Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (“EVA”).

Manner of Incorporating Cushioning

There are numerous ways of incorporating the cushioning technology. In some embodiments, the cushioning can be manufactured as part of the high heel shoe's body. In some embodiments, the cushioning can also be manufactured separately from the high heel shoe's body, but fixedly attached onto the shoe by methods including an adhesive, sewing, or binding of the materials including by chemical reaction or the application of temperature. In some embodiments, if the cushioning is fixedly attached onto the high heel shoe, the body of the shoe has recesses into which the cushioning is placed. Recesses facilitate the placement, security, and the visibility or invisibility of the cushioning. Those skilled in the art can appreciate that one cushioning can be fixedly attached within a recess and positioned in any of the locations described below, while other cushioning can be fixedly attached to one or more of the interior lining, the counter, the insole, or the outsole, and positioned in any of the locations described below.

The cushioning can be fixedly attached on top of the inner surface of the high heel shoe such that they are visible to the user. The cushioning can also be fixedly attached below the inner surface of the high heel shoe such that they are not visible to the user.

Embodiments of Cushioning

The disclosures provide various embodiments for the cushioning. The cushioning can be located at certain portions of the high heel shoes, as shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG. 3, FIG. 4, and FIG. 5, which disclose five general locations for various embodiments. However, these locations are by no means limited to the disclosed locations: depending on the style of the shoe, the user's personal preferences, and/or other factors, the cushioning can be placed at other areas of the shoe. FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG. 3, FIG. 4, and FIG. 5 merely reflect locational possibilities incorporated by some embodiments.

Brief Overview of High Heels Terminology

Those skilled in the art can appreciate the terminology generally describing certain areas of high heel shoes. In FIG. 4, 408 is the counter, which generally corresponds the rear of the shoe which encapsulates a user's heel and Achilles area. The heel is 416. The insole is 412, and generally corresponds to the interior area where the user steps on the shoe. The interior lining, 420, generally corresponds to the interior of the shoe that is not the insole. The outsole, 418, generally corresponds with the exterior of the insole, 412, and includes part of the exterior of the shoe that contacts the walking surface. The toe box, 414, generally corresponds to the area of the shoe that covers the toes of a user's foot.

Locations, Shapes, and Sizes of Cushioning

The size and dimensions of the cushioning can vary according to the size of the high heel shoes and the preferences of the consumer and/or manufacturer.

FIG. 1 includes an overhead view of the general shapes, sizes, and locations of cushioning pieces 101, 102, 103, and 104 in certain embodiments of the high heel shoes. In various embodiments, the locations of the cushioning are intended to be where there is friction or pressure, and can vary depending on preferences such as those of the user and/or the manufacturer. As stated above, the cushioning is not limited to certain locations or limited to the sizes given as examples in this figure; unless physically impossible, various embodiments include cushioning of different sizes and shapes, and which can be positioned in various locations.

Cushioning piece 104 in some embodiments can be located at the front sides of the high heel shoes. Cushioning piece 104 can be of a variety of shapes and sizes. In various embodiments, as shown in FIG. 1, piece 104 can be of substantially the same thickness. In various embodiments, piece 104 can be of a slight elongated and concave shape to accommodate the sides of the feet, although it is are not limited to such shapes. In various embodiments, as shown in FIG. 1 and FIGS. 4 as 104 and 402 respectively, can be approximately 4.5 cm wide and 2 cm long; depending on the size of the shoe or other preferences, the dimensions of the cushioning pieces can vary. In various embodiments, the thicknesses of piece 104 can vary from 0.05 cm to 3 cm.

Cushioning piece 102 in some embodiments can be located beneath the ball of the foot. Cushioning piece 102 can be of a variety of shapes and sizes. In various embodiments, as shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 3, FIG. 4 as piece 102, 302, and 406 respectively, can be shaped approximately to mirror the shape of the ball of the foot, although it is not limited to this shape. The design helps mitigate the most common form of pain resulting from the weight of the body being placed on the balls of the foot. In various embodiments, as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 4, piece 102 and 406 respectively can be approximately 5.5 cm wide and 7 cm long; depending on the size of the shoe or other preferences, the dimensions of the cushioning piece can vary. The thickness of piece 102 can vary from 0.05 cm to 3 cm.

Cushioning piece 103 in some embodiments can be located to the rear of the foot. Cushioning piece 103 can be of a variety of shapes and sizes. In various embodiments, as shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG. 3, and FIG. 4, piece 103, 206, 304, and 404 respectively can be shaped to match the rear of the foot, although it is not limited to this shape. In various embodiments, as shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG. 3, and FIG. 4, piece 103, 206, 304, and 404 respectively can be approximately 7.5 cm wide and 1.5 cm long; depending on the size of the shoe or other preferences, the dimensions of the cushioning piece can vary. The thickness of piece 103 can vary from 0.05 cm to 3 cm.

Cushioning piece 101 in some embodiments can be located on the outsole beneath the ball of the foot. Cushioning piece 101 can be of a variety of shapes and sizes. In various embodiments, as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 5, piece 101 and 502 respectively can be shaped to mirror the ball of the foot although it is not limited to this shape. In various embodiments, as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 5, piece 101 can be approximately 5.5 cm wide and 9 cm long; depending on the size of the shoe or other preferences, the dimensions of the cushioning pieces can vary. The thickness of piece 101 can vary from 0.05 cm to 3 cm.

FIG. 2 includes a side view of some embodiments showing examples of where cushioning pieces 101, 102, 103, and 104 can be located at 208, 204, 206, and 202 respectively. The exterior of the shoe is 200.

FIG. 3 includes an overhead view of some embodiments showing an example where cushioning pieces 102 and 103 can be located at 302 and 304 respectively. The exterior of the shoe is 300.

FIG. 4 includes a perspective view of some embodiments showing an example where cushioning pieces 101, 102, 103, and 104 can be located at 418, 406, 404, and 402 respectively. As described in more detail above, 400 is the shoe; 422 is the upper; 408 is the counter; 416 is the heel; 420 is the interior lining; 418 is the outsole; 412 is the insole; and 414 is the toe box.

FIG. 5 includes a view of some embodiments of the high heel shoes showing an example where cushioning piece 101 can be located on the outsole 500 specifically at 502.

FIG. 6 and FIG. 7A include examples of recesses in the body of the high heel shoes into which cushioning pieces may be placed for various embodiments.

In FIG. 6, recess 602 generally corresponds with the location of cushioning piece 101 in FIG. 1, 208 in FIG. 2, 418 in FIGS. 4, and 502 in FIG. 5. Recess 604 generally corresponds with the location of cushioning piece 103 in FIG. 1, 206 in FIG. 2, 304 in FIGS. 3, and 404 in FIG. 4.

In FIG. 7A, recess 702 generally corresponds with the location of cushioning piece 102 in FIG. 1, 204 in FIG. 2, 302 in FIGS. 3, and 406 in FIG. 4. FIG. 7B shows the cross section of FIG. 7A.

As disclosed above, the cushioning pieces can be attached to these recesses in a variety of ways, so long as they attach the cushioning to the recess. Some embodiments attach the cushioning by an adhesive, sewing, nailing, stapling, chemical reaction, application of temperature, and/or any combination of these methods.

FIG. 8A includes an overhead view of some embodiments incorporating the cushioning as a singular piece, and shows how the singular piece of cushioning may be incorporated into the high heel shoes. As shown in FIG. 2, FIG. 3, FIG. 4, FIG. 5, FIG. 6, FIG. 7A, and FIG. 7B, the cushioning pieces can be distinct from each other in various embodiments. As FIG. 8A shows, however, other embodiments show that the cushioning pieces can also be incorporated together as a singular piece of cushioning. Such embodiments reflect thicker cushioning in the cushioning areas, so as to provide support and protection. Specifically, FIG. 8A is an overhead view of some embodiments that use a singular cushioning with thicker support areas that are analogous or function similarly to cushioning pieces 102 (here 804), 103 (here 806), and 104 (here 808 and 810). Still other combinations can incorporate a singular piece of cushioning along with a plurality of individual distinct pieces.

FIG. 8B includes a cross-section view of some embodiments incorporating a singular piece of cushioning.

Remarks

The above description and drawings are illustrative and are not to be construed as limiting. Numerous specific details are prescribed to provide a thorough understanding of the disclosure. However, in certain instances, well-known details are not described in order to avoid obscuring the description. Further, various modifications may be made without deviating from the scope of the embodiments.

Reference in this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the disclosure. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, nor are separate or alternative embodiments mutually exclusive of other embodiments. Moreover, various features are described which may be exhibited by some embodiments and not by others. Similarly, various requirements are described which may be requirements for some embodiments but not for other embodiments.

The foregoing description of various embodiments of the claimed subject matter has been provided for the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the claimed subject matter to the precise forms disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to one skilled in the art. Embodiments were chosen and described in order to best describe the principles of the invention and its practical applications, thereby enabling others skilled in the relevant art to understand the claimed subject matter, the various embodiments, and the various modifications that are suited to the particular uses contemplated.

The terms used in this specification generally have their ordinary meanings in the art, within the context of the disclosure, and in the specific context where each term is used. Certain terms that are used to describe the disclosure are discussed above, or elsewhere in the specification, to provide additional guidance to the practitioner regarding the description of the disclosure. For convenience, certain terms may be highlighted, for example using italics and/or quotation mars. The use of highlighting has no influence on the scope and meaning of a term; the scope and meaning of a term is the same, in the same context, whether or not it is highlighted. It will be appreciated that the same thing can be said in more than one way. For example, one will recognize that “cushioning” is one form of “orthotics”, “shoes” is one form of “footwear”, “platform shoes” are one form of “high heels”, and that such terms may on occasion be used interchangeably.

Consequently, alternative language and synonyms may be used for any one or more of the terms discussed herein, nor is any special significance to be placed upon whether or not a term is elaborated or discussed herein. Synonyms for certain terms are provided. A recital of one or more synonyms does not exclude the use of other synonyms. The use of examples anywhere in this specification including examples of any term discussed herein is illustrative only, and is not intended to further limit the scope and meaning of the disclosure or of any exemplified terms. Likewise, the disclosure is not limited to various embodiments given in this specification.

Without intent to further limit the scope of the disclosure, examples of instruments, apparatus, methods and their related results according to the embodiments of the present disclosure are given above. Note that titles or subtitles may be used in the examples for convenience of a reader, which in no way should limit the scope of the disclosure. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary sill in the art to which this disclosure pertain. In the case of conflict, the present document, including definitions, will control.

Although the above Detailed Description describes certain embodiments and the best mode contemplated, no matter how detailed the above appears in text, the embodiments can be practiced in many ways. Details of the systems and methods may vary considerably in their implementation details, while still being encompassed by the specification. As noted above, particular terminology used when describing certain features or aspects of various embodiments should not be taken to imply that the terminology is being redefined herein to be restricted to any specific characteristics, features, or aspects of the invention with which that terminology is associated. In general, the terms used in the following claims should not be construed to limit the invention to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification, unless those terms are explicitly defined herein. Accordingly, the actual scope of the invention encompasses not only the disclosed embodiments, but also all equivalent ways of practicing or implementing the embodiments under the claims.

The language used in the specification has been principally selected for readability and instructional purposes, and it may not have been selected to delineate or circumscribe the inventive subject matter. It is therefore intended that the scope of the invention be limited not by this Detailed Description, but rather by any claims that issue on an application based hereon. Accordingly, the disclosure of various embodiments is intended to be illustrative, but not limiting, of the scope of the embodiments, which is set forth in the following claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A shoe comprising: a shoe heel configured to elevate the heel of a user's foot; an exterior surface; an interior lining opposite the exterior surface that is in contact with the user's foot; a counter within which the user's heel rests; a platform upon which the user's toes rest; a toe box within which the user's toes rest; an outsole opposite the insole configured to contact the ground; and an insole configured to support a sole of the user's foot, the insole including a recess defining an open space, wherein the recess is located substantially between the user's arch and toes; and a cushioning pad configured to be soft, resilient, and having a nonslip surface, wherein the cushioning pad is located within the recess.
 2. The shoe of claim 1, further comprising: a second cushioning pad that is fixedly attached to the counter and is located substantially between the user's Achilles tendon and the counter.
 3. The shoe of claim 1, wherein the exterior surface is composed of a weather-resistant material.
 4. The shoe of claim 3, wherein said weather-resistant material is leather.
 5. The shoe of claim 1, wherein the cushioning pad is composed of a polymer.
 6. The shoe of claim 5, wherein the polymer is Styrene Ethylene Butylene Styrene. The shoe of claim 1, wherein the cushioning pad is thermally bound to the insole.
 8. The shoe of claim 1, wherein the cushioning pad is sewn to the insole.
 9. The shoe of claim 1, wherein the cushioning pad is bonded to the insole using an adhesive.
 10. The shoe of claim 1, wherein the insole includes a cover that is positioned over the recess and cushioning, and which provides traction for the user's foot.
 11. The shoe of claim 1, wherein the shoe heel raises the heel of a user's foot between one and ten inches.
 12. The shoe of claim 1, wherein the platform raises the height of the user between half an inch and ten inches.
 13. A method for constructing a high heel shoe, comprising: providing a high heel shoe; positioning a recess on the insole, wherein the recess is located substantially between the user's arch and toes; and providing a cushioning pad configured to be soft, resilient, and having a nonslip surface, wherein the cushioning pad is located within the recess. 